North Korea is reportedly readying additional troops and military equipment, including possible suicide drones, for deployment to Russia amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
This information, provided by South Korea’s military, suggests that North Korea is not only supplying manpower but also contributing to Russia’s war arsenal.
The move is seen as part of North Korea’s efforts to gain practical warfare experience and modernise its conventional weapons system.
South Korea’s intelligence agency reports that thousands of North Korean troops are believed to have already joined the fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine. With estimated casualties around 1,100, North Korea seems to be readying a rotation or increase in troop deployment.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) noted that North Korea is also supplying 240-millimetre rocket launchers and 170 mm self-propelled artillery to Russia. “A comprehensive assessment of multiple intelligence shows that North Korea is preparing to rotate or increase the deployment of troops,” said the JCS.
There are signs that the reclusive state is moving to manufacture and supply suicide drones, first unveiled during Kim Jong-un’s on-site inspection in November. Last month, Kim ordered full-scale production of these cost-effective weapons, which are increasingly important in modern warfare.
The military is closely monitoring the situation following indications that North Korea intends to provide loitering munitions to Russia. No specific signs of provocation have been detected from North Korea, but the JCS has warned of potential surprise military provocations, such as launching an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) tipped with a hypersonic warhead.
In April, Pyongyang claimed successful launch of a new IRBM with a hypersonic warhead, a claim Seoul deemed “unsuccessful”, though acknowledging some progress in North Korea’s hypersonic weapons program.
The JCS projects that North Korea will continue with “grey zone” provocations like launching trash-carrying balloons and GPS jamming attacks next year. “As the North has to concentrate on supporting Russia next year, it is likely to feel burdened by causing military tension or conflicts,” said the JCS.
However, the need for cooperation on information sharing with the US is vital as there is also the possibility of North Korea attempting various provocations to enhance its bargaining power against the US. A JCS official noted ongoing construction activities to reinforce North Korean border security, including the testing of electric barbed-wire fences with what appeared to be goats.
Since April, North Korea has mobilised thousands of soldiers to reinforce roads and install anti-tank barriers, reflecting its commitment to bolstering military presence and infrastructure.
The deployment of additional North Korean troops and military equipment to Russia is a significant development that highlights the depth of cooperation between the two countries. This move is not only about providing physical support to Russia, but also about North Korea gaining practical warfare experience and modernising its weapons system.
The introduction of suicide drones, a weapon that’s increasingly becoming critical in modern warfare due to its cost-effectiveness, signals North Korea’s intent to stay abreast with the latest military technology trends. The country’s commitment to full-scale production of these drones underscores its determination to bolster its military capabilities and position itself as a major player in the global military landscape.
However, this move could potentially put North Korea in a precarious position, straddling the line between supporting an ally and avoiding military conflict that could potentially open a new war front. The country’s ongoing “grey zone” provocations — launching trash-carrying balloons and GPS jamming attacks — are expected to continue next year, adding another layer of tension.
The fact that North Korea is preparing for potential future conflicts suggests that it is deeply invested in its alliance with Russia. This alliance could have significant geopolitical implications, especially considering the ongoing tensions between Russia and the US. The possibility of North Korea attempting various provocations to enhance its bargaining power against the US indicates that it is not just passively supporting Russia, but actively leveraging the situation for its own advantage.
Moreover, North Korea’s ongoing construction activities aimed at reinforcing border security reflect its focus on maintaining internal stability while managing external alliances and conflicts. This dual focus highlights the delicate balancing act that North Korea is performing as it navigates this complex geopolitical landscape.
In conclusion, North Korea’s actions are not only reshaping the dynamics of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine but are also likely to have far-reaching effects on global geopolitics and regional security. As such, these developments warrant close monitoring by international stakeholders.
As we move into the new year, North Korea’s ongoing military support for Russia signals a shifting geopolitical landscape that could influence international relations and regional security. The country’s commitment to modernising its weaponry, including the manufacture of suicide drones, underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare and calls for a reevaluation of current defence strategies worldwide.
North Korea’s actions reflect more than just an alliance with Russia – they represent an active bid to gain practical warfare experience, modernise its military arsenal, and increase its bargaining power on the international stage. The world will be watching closely as North Korea navigates its domestic challenges and external alliances amidst a volatile geopolitical climate.